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Nugget Mandolin #310

Hello everybody!

Last year I pulled the trigger and ordered a Nugget mandolin from Mike Kemnitzer. I played Joe K. Walsh's Nugget and loved the responsiveness and general feel of the instrument (plus having Joe make that thing sound so dang good I couldn't resist). This past weekend I got to travel to Mike's and pick up the mandolin. Let me just say that Mike is one hell of a guy to get to hang out with! He was inviting and welcomed us (had my dad tag along) as if we were one of his own. We had plenty of mandolin/luthier-nerd conversations and got into some great talks. It was inspiring to hear him talk about instruments and all his stories.

Now for the mandolin! It was strung up recently within the past few weeks but it already is very responsive across the fingerboard and strings. Has very strong E and A string notes, crystal clear up and down the neck. You can play as hard as you want and it doesn't give in, just keeps going. The lower strings have a great tone to them as well and can give you powerful chops and sustain for days. It has a Loar tone to it, as Mike went after that tone for this mandolin. I will eventually have videos for the audio but as of right now I just want to explore it and get to know it better! The craftsmanship of this instrument is incredible, every detail was thought out and very well executed. The sunburst and the finish work on it is well done, now to put some scratches and wear on it...

Another thanks to Mike for his ever curious mind and for always being a student of the craft, the mandolin world is in debt to you for all that you've done! I feel very fortunate and lucky to be playing one of his instruments.

Re: Nugget Mandolin #310

Jake, congrats. The pictures are beautiful, Your Avatar photo brings back memories for me. As the owner of Nugget #307, all this made me recall the day a couple of years ago when I got mine. I can assure you that while Mike knows how to build a great sound profile into the instrument, you are just at the beginning of what it will become.

I am sure he gave you "the talk," but I will reiterate: use it don't baby it, take it out and gig with it, do not worry too much about hurting it - there is not much we can do that he can't fix. I would however add - Insure it! While the attachment you will grow to have is important, Mike can build another one for you if something should ever happen.